Collectively, THE PEEPSHOW TRIO peeps have shared the stage, screen or studio with everyone from Barbra Streisand to Buckethead, Paul Provenza to Neil Diamond, Cop Rock to Jim Henson’s Muppets, Neil Young to Florence Henderson. +Join them and their SPECIAL GUESTS as they wind-up the fun and wind-down the holiday season with “a collection of chestnuts old and new.” Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “A midweek musical treat that will mid-tempo rock your year's end!” Tix, $13..///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(5b) Wednesday’s RECURRING “LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events. +THERE ARE 24 (Yep, Twenty-Four!) ADDITIONAL EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT!+Included are today & tonight’s weekly and monthly residencies, series, showcases, workshops, open mics and other acoustic music events that are scheduled in advance to happen today and tonight, from northern Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, from downtown L.A. to the valleys to the Inland Empire, from the desert to the sea..http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/wednesday-recurring-fifth-wednesday.html.///\\\///\\\...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ ..On this day in 1865, (Joseph) RUDYARD KIPLING was born in India where his father was a British colonial official. Kipling would write several successful adult novels and volumes of poetry, but his children’s stories would bring him enduring fame. These include the “Jungle Books” published in 1894 & 1895 (from which the Disney cartoon musical would be derived) and “Just So Stories” in 1902..=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=.. (1) Thursday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:+* Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; runs Dec 30-Jan 2.+* 8 pm LYQUID AMBER, the collaborative duo of award-winning musicians Evo Bluestein and haNS YORK, with jazz bassist Kevin Hill, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena.+.See the complete listings below for all the details...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(2) Thursday’s RADIO & TV SHOWS ~ that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and selected other acoustic music shows (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere) are listed, in all their abundance, at .http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/thursdays-radio-web-radio-tv-acoustic.html .///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(3) Thursday’s “BEST OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS” ~ beyond the region covered by the Guide’s usual listings:..None reported..///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(4) Thursday’s LOCAL FESTIVALS:..Thu, Dec 30-Sun, Jan 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; info & registration, www.ctmsfolkmusic.org; 818-817-7756. Music workshops, jams, traditional dance..///\\\///\\\.==============.Nightly, Dec 2–Dec 30:5-10 pm (Light Display Hours) 15th annual “LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF WATER AND POWER GRIFFITH PARK LIGHT FESTIVAL” on Crystal Springs Drive, in Griffith Park, Los Angeles. This year’s annual event has nights for pedestrians and bicycles, horseback riders, and more, in addition to the run of nights when only cars make the trip to view the park’s annual light displays. Come see this magnificent display of lights that’s been a tradition for 13 years.+Schedule for what conveyances are allowed when (including your feet):> Dec 4-17 are “Vehicle Free Nights,” no cars allowed - you can walk, jog, run, bike, stroll, crawl…anything, except drive.> Dec 9-30 on Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thurs only - “Horse Enthusiasts” nights, when you can see the lights on horseback. > Dec 18-30: “Drive through” nights to see the Griffith Park Festival of lights from the comforts of your warm car.+Exit the Golden State Fwy (I-5) at Los Feliz. Go west on Los Feliz and turn right onto Crystal Springs Dr. Proceed to the entrance of the Light Festival. To view the Light Festival by foot on the walking path, park at the L.A. Zoo’s big parking lot. More info at www.ladwp.com. Free..///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(5a) Thursday’s TODAY-AND-TONIGHT-ONLY “LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events:..Thu, Dec 30-Sun, Jan 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” – see “Local Festivals,” above..///\\\///\\\.==============.Thu, Dec 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm LYQUID AMBER, the collaborative duo of award-winning musicians Evo Bluestein and haNS YORK, with jazz bassist Kevin Hill, plays the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+HANS YORK, 2008 Kerrville “New Folk” Winner, has performed live, numerous times, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” during his coast-to-coast concert tours, BEFORE he won at Kerrville. Hans is a master of DADGAD guitar – a tuning that produces unique harmonies and voicings. As a classically-trained musician who grew up in Germany, Hannsjoerg – as he was known then – studied jazz, rock, and world music traditions. He hasn’t sat still, musically or geographically. Living in Brazil added to his repertoire of musical styles and rhythms. In addition to composing, Hans is a noted producer and arranger. Known for his infectious shows and his captivating performances – including his soaring three-octave voice – Hans mixes the musical sensibilities of acoustic Americana with his native German roots and influences of the infectious music of South America. His grassroots approach and close interaction with the audience have made friends for Hans and his music throughout the country. His US debut album “Inside Out” received various awards including “Best Acoustic Album” of 2005 from Indie Acoustic Project. His current album “Young Amelia” takes you on a subtle sojourn to explore the hidden recesses of the human heart, in a journey with outstanding musicianship and deep compassion. +Evo Bluestein employs a myriad of banjo tunings, traditional and original, to compose funky and quirky new music. Evo comes from a noted folk music family and he has spent his life performing and teaching traditional music and dance. This music is yet another facet of his vast musical expression.+Jazz bassist Kevin Hill was born in Texas and grew up in China and West Africa. He began performing at age 12 and has been playing bass since age 16. Kevin studied jazz and contemporary music at The New School in New York.+Lyquid Amber music draws from the members’ collective experience in jazz, rock, classical, Brazilian, and Southern Appalachia to create inspiring new landscapes in music. One review captured it nicely: "From the attractive packaging to the superb production, Lyquid Amber's 'Ritual' is a musical journey bringing together the wide spectrum of seemingly diverse musical influences such as folk, pop, jazz and world and melding them into a harmonius whole. Ably supported by an all-star cast of musicians from the Central Valley of California, the singing, writing and playing talents of Hans York and Evo Bluestein are impressive.. The final track, the utterly charming "Down with the Elements" will appeal to anyone with a pop sensibility. A "hit" waiting to happen. Bravo gentlemen!" – Vince DiCiccio, Valley Public Radio, Fresno/Bakersfield. Tix, $20..///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(5b) Thursday’s RECURRING “LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events. +THERE ARE 30 (Thirty!) ADDITIONAL EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT!+Included are today & tonight’s weekly and monthly residencies, series, showcases, workshops, open mics and other acoustic music events that are scheduled in advance to happen today and tonight, from northern Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, from downtown L.A. to the valleys to the Inland Empire, from the desert to the sea..http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/12/thursday-recurring-fifth-thursday.html.///\\\///\\\...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ ..(1) Friday’s NEW YEAR’S EVE “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks:+Wow! You can celebrate mid-day in L.A., with the arrival of the New Year IN IRELAND, then have dinner someplace and get to a second celebration when Pacific Time greets 2011. There’s a family-friendly acoustic (early) evening in San Pedro, and dinner is available there. Later at night, DAVE ALVIN is playing N.Y.E. with PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, with the GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND, at the Redwood Bar & Grill in downtown L.A., and it’s only twenty bucks! There’s a NO COVER CHARGE show and music party in Claremont. The Guide has plenty of listings, offering fine choices.+* Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; runs Dec 30-Jan 2.+* 3 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings a special solo matinee of his authentic & original Irish music to the Auld Dubliner in Long Beach. (No 10 pm performance.) The venue has booked him for this special show, as they did last year, to celebrate and count down to the New Year in Ireland, which is 8 hours ahead of us in L.A. So, this show starts at what is 11 pm in Dublin.+* 6-10 pm RUSS LEWARK (ONE FOOT IN, KAHUNA COWBOY BAND) & TOM FERJO play a family-friendly early New Year’s Eve at the Think Café in San Pedro.+* 7 & 10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at Walt Disney Concert Hall, downtown L.A.+* “New Years EVE” with blues bands Corey Stevens, Bobby Bluehouse, Dave Melton, Howard Deere, Walter Thompson and Friends, at the Arcadia Blues Club, Arcadia.+* LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play “DISNEYLAND’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY.” +* YARD DOG ROAD SHOWS, the 13-member wildly musical cabaret act, at the Edison in L.A.+* 8 pm LUCINDA WILLIAMS and JACKSH*T at The Viper Room, 21+. Tix, $100, and VIP packages are available. www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail. Only 150 tickets left at press time.+* 8 pm-12:30 am SLIGO RAGS plays a family-friendly “wild Celtic concert, then food and waltzing,” at the Ojai Concert Series at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club.+* “COWBOY PALACE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY” with RANDY EMMETT & SIDESHOW BAND with a buffet dinner and more at L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, the Cowboy Palace in Chatsworth.+* PAUL CHESNE BAND at Tony's Saloon, as part of the eight-venues-for-$100-ticket, entrance to 8 bars and open drinks all night downtown. Some venues have DJs, others have bands, including GRAM RABBIT. All the info is at events.la.com/los-angeles-ca/events/show/156901605-nye-downtown-la-1-ticket-8-open-bars-featuring-gram-rabbit-and-other-musical-acts+* THE LINDY SISTERS bring their ANDREWS SISTERS USO-type show for New Years Eve at the Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue in Claremont.+* THE CLAREMONT VOODOO SOCIETY, featuring harmonica whiz BILL BARRETT, with “LAZY” BRAD LEWIS, JERRY O'SULLIVAN, & WYMAN REESE, play The Press' N.Y.E. party in Claremont. There is NO COVER CHARGE, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, hats & horns. Dinner served from 5 pm, reservations required. Party starts at 9, music at 10. After the live music, DJ “The Mixologist” finishes the night. +* 9 pm GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND with members DAVE ALVIN, JOHNNY BAZZ, & PHIL BATEMAN, plus special guests PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, at the Redwood Bar & Grill, L.A. At $20, this is THE bargain for N.Y.E.+* 9 pm I SEE HAWKS IN LA. play Pappy and Harriet’s Place in Pioneertown (in the desert, near 29 Palms)+* 10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown L.A. (Shows at 7 & 10:30 pm.).See the complete listings below for all the details...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(2) Friday’s RADIO & TV SHOWS ~ that feature live performance-interviews with acoustic musicians, and selected other acoustic music shows (mostly on-line, simulcast from radio stations elsewhere) are listed, in all their abundance, at .http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/fridays-radio-web-radio-tv-acoustic.html .///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(3) Friday’s “BEST OUT-OF-TOWN EVENTS” ~ beyond the region covered by the Guide’s usual listings:..None reported..///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(4) Friday’s LOCAL FESTIVALS:..Plenty of New Year’s Eve events might feel like festivals… just watch yourself on the roads!.///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(5a) Friday’s TODAY-AND-TONIGHT-ONLY “LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events:..Fri, Dec 31; runs Thu, Dec 30-Sun, Jan 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” – see “Local Festivals,” above..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:3 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings a special solo matinee of his authentic and original Irish music, with his superb baritone voice and fine guitar, to NYE at the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach, 90802; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com. More at www.kenomalley.com. (No 10 pm show.)+The venue has booked Ken for this special show, as they did last year, to celebrate and count down to the New Year in Ireland, which is 8 hours ahead of us in L.A. So, this show starts at what is 11 pm in Dublin..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:6-10 pm RUSS LEWARK (ONE FOOT IN, KAHUNA COWBOY BAND) & TOM FERJO play a family-friendly early New Year’s Eve at the Think Café, 302 W 5th St, San Pedro; 310-519-3662.+You know Russ from ONE FOOT IN and the KAHUNA COWBOY BAND. He says, it’s “a bevy of your favorite acoustic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Call the Think Café for a reservation as this night will be packed. They will take walk-ins if seating is available. Enjoy a great meal and a glass of wine Think Café is kid friendly, and there have been several nights when a spontaneous ‘under 3 foot’ dance party has broken out in the middle of the restaurant, so finding a babysitter isn't essential. Come enjoy the fantastic food of Chef Sonny, the smiles of the friendliest waitresses in Pedro and a tune or two.”.///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:“New Years EVE” with blues bands Corey Stevens, Bobby Bluehouse, Dave Melton, Howard Deere, Walter Thompson & Friends, at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com. Venue is taking reservations for this annual “New Years Eve / Fan Appreciation Night” music party. Advance tix, $20. .///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:7 & 10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, L.A. (downtown) 90012; 213-850-2000; www.musiccenter.org or www.laphil.org +The diminutive artist with the big voice has numerous stage, screen and TV credits. She originated the role of Glinda in Broadway’s “Wicked,” and won a Best Supporting Actress Emmy for TV’s “Pushing Daisies.” Tonight, she brings material from her albums, Broadway shows and holiday classics. Two performances, 7 & 10:30 pm..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:LISA HALEY & THE ZYDECATS play “DISNEYLAND’S NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY” returning for what’s become their annual gig, bringing their Grammy-nominated Cajun & zydeco the Magic Kingdom in Anaheim. Info, www.bluefiddle.com .///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:YARD DOG ROAD SHOWS, the 13-member cabaret act, at The Edison, 108 W 2nd St #101, Los Angeles 90012; www.edisondowntown.com; 213-613-0000. +They’re wild, bringing everything from Vaudeville to rock ‘n roll, with a “hobo cabaret” that includes musicians, song-and-dance routines, sword swallowers, fire eaters, and more, all based (sort of) on 1800s Old West touring troupes. $75 per person, entire tables from $300 up..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm LUCINDA WILLIAMS and JACKSH*T at The Viper Room, 21+. Tix, $100, and VIP packages are available. www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail. Only 150 tickets left at press time..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31, in Ojai; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm-12:30 am SLIGO RAGS plays a family-friendly “wild Celtic concert, then food and waltzing,” at the Ojai Concert Series at the Ojai Valley Woman’s Club, 441 E Ojai Av, Ojai; 805-665-9952; www.ojaiconcertseries.com. +Bring the family, bring all your friends, and help ring in the New Year with a wild, fun Celtic concert featuring the return to Ojai of the splendid Sligo Rags. After the concert from 8-11 pm, enjoy food and elegant and romantic waltzes until 12:30 in the morning. +"Sligo Rags have mastered the ability to take songs from a time gone by and make them fresh and relevant for a modern audience. Their passion for the music and their willingness to take risks combine for an outstanding live show."--Music Connection.+Named among the top acoustic bands in LA (by Folkworks Magazine) and two-time winners of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band, this dynamic ensemble presents Irish Folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude. Sligo Rags is taking the local and not-so-local Folk and Irish music scenes by storm with a unique blend of eclectic musical influences. Dan Miller of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine says “These guys have it all--great vocals, lots of energy, captivating songs, well executed arrangements, and tasteful solos.” Their debut studio recording, "The Night Before the Morning After", was called "the best I've heard from a stateside band" by Celtic Beat Magazine, while their sophomore effort, “The Whiskey Never Lies,” (called “the best from the West Coast Celts in many years” by Shay Clark of the Irish-American News), was named one of the top 10 of 2007 by Folkworks. Don’t be surprised if elements of country, gypsy jazz and swing manage to sneak their way into the act as well. Award-winning flatpicking and fingerstyle guitarist David Burns (recently featured in Flatpicking Guitar Magazine), fiddler extraordinaire Michael Kelly, world-renowned bassist Gordon Rustvold, and percussion whiz-kid Jonathan Baer are guaranteed to fill the room and your lives with electricity. They may give you a good laugh or two along the way as well.+This is “a dessert and finger-food potluck party, so bring something to share and we’ll supply the party favors and the bubbly,” say hosts Shane & Kelly.+Watch a short video from last years show at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV0tYoRE27Y +Out-of-town attendees who want to stay the night in Ojai can get a 15% discount at Casa Ojai (from already low winter rates - www.ojaiinn.com). In addition, you can get 20% off on your N.Y.E. tickets for the show if you are staying there. +$20 advance, $24 at door. Kids under age 15 are $10 (and under age 6 are free if you can keep ’em quiet during the show). .///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:9 pm GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND with members DAVE ALVIN, JOHNNY BAZZ, & PHIL BATEMAN, plus special guests PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, at the Redwood Bar & Grill, 316 W 2nd St (between Broadway and Hill), downtown L.A. 90012; www.theredwoodbar.com. At $20, this is THE bargain for N.Y.E. Call for info, 213-680-2600..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:“COWBOY PALACE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY” with RANDY EMMETT & SIDESHOW BAND at L.A.’s last real honky-tonk, the Cowboy Palace, 21635 Devonshire St, Chatsworth; 818-341-0166. It’s a buffet dinner, complimentary champagne, a balloon drop filled with cash and prizes, music and dancing. Tix, $25 per person before New Year's Eve Party, $30 per person at the door..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:PAUL CHESNE BAND at Tony's Saloon, as part of the eight-venues-for-$100-ticket, entrance to 8 bars and open drinks all night downtown. Some venues have DJs, others have bands, including GRAM RABBIT. All the info is at events.la.com/los-angeles-ca/events/show/156901605-nye-downtown-la-1-ticket-8-open-bars-featuring-gram-rabbit-and-other-musical-acts .///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:THE LINDY SISTERS do a New Years Eve show and party at the Hip Kitty Jazz & Fondue, 502. W First St, Claremont 91711; www.hipkittyjazz.com; 909-447-6700.+THE LINDY SISTERS bring their USO-type show with plenty to enjoy for all generations. The show features a variety of vocals as sung with the big bands and plenty of songs from the ’40s, ’50s and maybe even the ’60s, as well as a blend of patriotic and country favorites. Should be a lot of fun for a very nostalgic New Year’s Eve celebration.+When venue impresario Bob Stane booked ’em to play the Coffee Gallery Backstage, he raved, “three beautiful and talented ladies know as THE LINDY SISTERS who reminisce in song, dance and costume with the same harmonic excellence as the Andrews Sisters and the McGuire Sisters and now you have a show that radiates with ‘CHARMONY.’”+The Guide editor likes them a whole lot, too. Prices for tonight’s party range from $20 per individual with small amenities to $180 per couple with a four-course dinner and more..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:9 pm THE CLAREMONT VOODOO SOCIETY, featuring harmonica whiz BILL BARRETT, with “LAZY” BRAD LEWIS, JERRY O'SULLIVAN, & WYMAN REESE, play The Press' N.Y.E. party in Claremont. There is NO COVER CHARGE, complimentary champagne toast at midnight, hats & horns. Dinner served from 5 pm, reservations required. Party starts at 9, music at 10. After the live music, DJ “The Mixologist” finishes the night. .///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:9 pm GENE TAYLOR BLUES BAND with members DAVE ALVIN, JOHNNY BAZZ, & PHIL BATEMAN, plus special guests PHIL ALVIN (The Blasters), & banjo guru FRANK FAIRFIELD, at the Redwood Bar & Grill, L.A. At $20, this is THE bargain for N.Y.E..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick; in the desert, near 29 Palms:9 pm I SEE HAWKS IN LA. play the party at Pappy and Harriet’s Place, 53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown 92268; 760-365-5956; www.pappyandharriets.com. More at www.iseehawks.com. .///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Dec 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:10:30 pm KRISTIN CHENOWETH, multiple Emmy & Tony winner, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, L.A. Music Center, 135 N Grand Av, L.A. (downtown) 90012; 213-850-2000; www.musiccenter.org or www.laphil.org +The diminutive artist with the big voice has numerous stage, screen and TV credits. She originated the role of Glinda in Broadway’s “Wicked,” and won a Best Supporting Actres Emmy for TV’s “Pushing Daisies.” Tonight, she brings material from her albums, Broadway shows and holiday classics. Two performances, 7 & 10:30 pm..///\\\///\\\..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~...(5b) Friday’s RECURRING “LOS ANGELES AREA ACOUSTIC MUSIC PERFORMANCES” and related events. +THERE ARE 20 (Twenty!) ADDITIONAL EVENTS, TODAY & TONIGHT!+Included are today & tonight’s weekly and monthly residencies, series, showcases, workshops, open mics and other acoustic music events that are scheduled in advance to happen today and tonight, from northern Santa Barbara County to south Orange County, from downtown L.A. to the valleys to the Inland Empire, from the desert to the sea..http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/07/friday-fifth-friday-when-month-has-one.html.///\\\///\\\...~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.HAPPY NEW YEAR!.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~......BEYOND THE CURRENT EDITION… .Coming up, as the short days (and long nights!) of winter gradually get longer, and onward into 2011…..(6) EARLY ANNOUNCEMENTS / UPCOMING EVENTS / BUY TIX NOW +(Updated December 17 - Check back frequently for more.)..~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.HELP KEEP THE GUIDE GOING! Send us $25 and get great goodies in return! Find out WHAT you get, and more, at.http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2010/03/support-guide-and-get-some-great-dvds.html ).~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~..2011’s UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS – GET TIX EARLY… ..January:.Sat & Sun, Jan 1 & 2, 2011; runs Dec 30-Jan 2; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Annual “CTMS NEW YEARS CAMP” sponsored by the California Traditional Music Society at Camp Hess Kramer, Malibu; info & registration, www.ctmsfolkmusic.org; 818-817-7756. Music workshops, jams, traditional dance..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sun, Jan 2:2:30 pm “SONGWRITER SANCTUM NEW YEAR’S KICK-OFF” with DAVE MORRISON, PHIL WARD, BRAD COLERICK, and others tba, at The Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St, Santa Monica 90405; www.churchop.org; 310-399-1631.+Sponsors say, “Half hour sets, then we shall eat, carelessly, with no regard to our waistlines, laughing and talking with our mouths full. And then we will circle the chairs as if they are wagons pin-cushioned with the arrows of the past year, and sing lustily at one another. Or tell stories. Or share a poem. Or gesticulate wildly for no apparent reason. We're taking donations at the door to pay for the food and give a little to Pastor Janet's good works. Bring a favorite beverage. We'll bring ice and cups. Alexia, Marilyn and the gang will be there to keep us from hurting ourselves. New Year's songs of your own device are strongly encouraged.” More at www.davemorrisonmusic.com .///\\\///\\\.==============.Mon, Jan 3, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:7 pm FOY WILLING’S RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE play their monthly potluck dinner show at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+The Riders of the Purple Sage featuring Cody Bryant, and “Wild West Ragtime Piano Dinner & Cocktail Hour” with Doug “Fingers” Livingston, starting at 7 pm.+After that, as venue impresario Bob Stane says, it’s “Hard swinging cowboy tunes, burning tempos, hot harmonies. Songs that tug at the heart. Songs written with their bare hands mixed with well-crooned silver screen classics. All alive and kickin’.”+Drums, guitars, fiddles, bass, harmonica, penny whistle, steel guitar, accordion and an occasional sax. They kindle all the warm glowing romance of the west while infusing it with new spirit and fire. They sing the present as well as giving a well-tuned nod to the sound born in Hollywood almost 70 years ago. Like the originals from the 1940s, they are musicians from studios, clubs, sound stages and concert halls who’ve come together to play a style and sound that remains timeless. An American tradition. Reinvented under the influence of a lot of coffee. +Today’s Riders croon on with Cody Bryant, Cowboy Mike, Evan “Relaxin’ Jackson” Marshall, Doug “Fingers” Livingston, and “The King of the Cowboy Drummers,” Landon McCoy.+Foy Willing started the band in Hollywood in 1943. He co-starred in over two-dozen westerns and released records on four major labels. He shared the silver screen with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gene Autry, Monte Hale and recorded with jazz saxophonist Plas Johnson and Louis Prima. Jerry Garcia named a band after them. Sinatra sang with them. The Andrew Sisters toured with them. +Bring food to share in the potluck dinner (a dish that feed four) and you get $5 off the admission price. Tix $19.99 if you don’t participate in the dinner; with potluck participation, it’s $14.99..///\\\///\\\.==============.Mon, Jan 3; 1st Mon, every month:8 pm-1 am “RONNIE MACK'S BARN DANCE” celebrates its “BIG ANNIVERSARY SHOW” tonight, with RICK SHEA and a full lineup of other guest performers and THE BARNDANCE BAND, at Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl (between Cahuenga Bl & Pass Av), Burbank; 818-729-0905; venue info, www.danceatjoes.com/barndance; series info, www.myspace.com/421889964. Since 1988, Ronnie Mack has marshaled forward the Los Angeles roots and alt country scene with his once-a-month Barn Dance. It’s simply amazing who has played the series. In 2003, Jim Hollander filmed his documentary, "First Tuesdays at Ronnie Mack's Barndance," featuring performances and interviews with series alumni Dwight Yoakam, Dave Alvin, Rosie Flores, Big Sandy, James Intveld, Mike Stinson and more. It’s available at www.hollandermedia.com. +In addition to each month’s lineup of guest performers, there’s always the BARN DANCE BAND. That brings Ronnie Mack on lead vocals & rhythm guitar (with a lead here & there), Skip Edwards on the keys, Marty Rifkin on Pedal Steel, Harry Orlove on lead guitar, Paul Marshall (I See Hawks in L.A.) on bass, Dave Raven on drums (or on occasion John Palmer). A fun note: Joe’s Great American Bar & Grill is the old Crazy Jack’s, where the Barn Dance first began many years ago. More on Ronnie Mack and his legendary Barn Dance at www.electricearl.com/BDance.html .///\\\///\\\.==============.Tue, Jan 4; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:7:30 pm THE SWINGIN’ ARMANI BROTHERS bring their monthly “Italian Party Night Dinner Show” to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+It’s the Swingin’ Armani Brothers, who look remarkably like some members of the Riders of the Purple Sage, but in pinstripes. The night features catered Italian food, a drawing for an Armani mandolin signed by the band, as well as other Italiana flavored items. Tap your toe and sway to classic Neopolitan Italian folk music with a little Frank & Dino thrown in, on violin, mandolin, guitar, bass and percussion by the Brothers. +Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Legend has it the Brothers stowed away on a freighter carrying olive oil from the old country to pursue their musical dreams in the Small Apple. See them before their green cards expire! The Coffee Gallery has cleverly stolen them away from a nearly endless tour of Italian restaurant lounges to perform for you at the Coffee Gallery. Jackson Armani will dazzle you with his mandolin virtuosity and his oh so romantic violin, and Codio will croon the night away. Relax, dance the tarantella with a ‘Stranger In The Night’ and sing along with your new found Italian friends to ‘That’s Amore.’ Come hungry!” Tix $19.99..///\\\///\\\.==============.Thu, Jan 6, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm DAVID LINDLEY plays The Canyon Club, 28192 Rdside Dr, Agoura Hills; 818-879-5016. One of the world’s most respected rock guitarists, he can play anything with strings, acoustic or electric or anywhere in between..///\\\///\\\.==============.Thu, Jan 6, 2011, in Santa Ynez; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm WILLIE NELSON plays the Samala Showroom at Chumash Casino, 3400 East Hwy 246, Santa Ynez 93460; 800-CHUMASH; www.chumashcasino.com/entertainment +The legendary Willie Nelson is one of the most beloved, enduring and influential talents in the history of country music. A winner of 6 Grammy Awards and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, his twenty #1 hits include standards like "On the Road Again," "Mommas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" and many more. Tix, $75, $90, $105, $120, $135..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Jan 7, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm ERNEST TROOST plus special guest Mark “Pocket” Goldberg, for Pocket’s CD RELEASE SHOW of his new “Off the Alleyway,” at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497.+ERNEST TROOST is a renowned, multiple Music Emmy winning composer, and winner of the Kerrville “New Folk” competition.+Mark “Pocket” Goldberg has performed live or recorded with everybody you’ve ever heard of in music, and his new CD, “Off the Alleyway,” is marvelous (we’ll have review in the near future.) Tix, $15..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Jan 7, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm JOHN McCUTCHEON at the Smothers Theatre at Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu. Tickets are now on sale at 310-506-4522 or www.arts.pepperdine.edu.+Johnny Cash called him, "The most impressive instrumentalist I've ever heard."+The Washington Post wrote, "He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature."+Tonight, you’ll have a chance to find out why. IF you took the Guide’s advice in November, and didn’t delay getting tickets. (If this is sold-out, he plays the plays the “Performances to Grow On” series in Ojai on Jan 8.)+Multiple Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and storyteller John McCutcheon is America's balladeer. He sings of the nation's heritage, channeling the conscience of our people into streams of poetry and melody. He writes about subjects both small and great, from a child's haircut to human dignity – issues eternal and enduring. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, including guitar, banjo, autoharp, and, most notably, the beautiful hammer dulcimer. He’s been at it so long his website is www.folkmusic.com +No one remembers when the neighbors started calling the McCutcheons to complain about the loud singing from young John's bedroom. But it didn't seem to do much good. Seems that after a shaky, lopsided battle between piano lessons and baseball – he was a mediocre pianist and an all-star catcher, John had "found his voice" thanks to a cheap, mail-order guitar and a used book of chords.+From such inauspicious beginnings, McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folksingers.+His latest, two-CD, album, “Untold” (2009, Appalseed Productions), showcases his double-barreled talents as both a singer-songwriter-instrumental virtuoso and a world-class storyteller. The set's first CD was recorded live at the 2008 “National Storytelling Festival” in Jonesborough, TN. The second CD, says his label, “features some of the most compelling and popular songwriting of McCutcheon's career.”+McCutcheon's songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His 30 recordings have won every imaginable honor, including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over 20 albums for other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works.+His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. His commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.+Even before graduating summa cum laude from Minnesota's St. John's University, this Wisconsin native literally "headed for the hills," forgoing a college lecture hall for the classroom of the eastern Kentucky coal camps, union halls, country churches, and square-dance halls.+His apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music imbedded in him not only a love of homemade music but a sense of community and, as he says, “rootedness.” The resulting music, whether traditional or from his huge catalog of original songs, has the profound mark of place, family, and strength. With it is McCutcheon’s storytelling, in a style that’s been compared to Will Rogers and Garrison Keillor.+The Washington Post described McCutcheon as folk music's "Rustic Renaissance Man." The Dallas Morning News says, "Calling John McCutcheon a 'folksinger' is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player..."+Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theatres, McCutcheon is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium, on a festival stage, or at a farm rally. He’s been called “a whirlwind of energy, packing five lifetimes into one.” +In the past few years alone he has headlined at over a dozen different festivals in North America, including repeated performances at the National Storytelling Festival, recorded an original composition for Virginia Public Television involving over 500 musicians, toured Australia for the sixth time, toured Chile in support of a women's health initiative, appeared in a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in New York City, given a featured concert at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, taught performance art skills at a North Carolina college, given symphony pops concerts across America, served as president of the fastest-growing local in the Musicians Union, and performed a special concert at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This is all in his "spare time." His "real job," he's quick to point out, is father to two grown sons.+McCutcheon feels most at home performing live. It’s brought his music into the lives and homes of one of the broadest multi-generational audiences of any contemporary folk musician. McCutcheon takes the stage to produce what critics describe as "little feats of magic," "breathtaking in their ease and grace...," "like a conversation with an illuminating old friend."+Tickets went on sale in November at 310-506-4522 or www.arts.pepperdine.edu. Tix are $25 gen’l or $10 for full-time Pepperdine students..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Jan 7, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm DAVID LINDLEY plays Brixton South Bay, 100J W Torrance Bl, Redondo Beach 90277; 310-406-1931. One of the world’s most respected rock guitarists, he can play anything with strings, acoustic or electric or anywhere in between. .///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Jan 7:8 pm THE RON ELLINGTON SHY TRIO brings their quartet formation to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+The Trio plays rhythm & blues, jazz, and oldies with fresh arrangements. The unique sounds of Preston Epps' bongos mix with the incredible vocals of Ron Shy to form the core of this timeless music. They run the list of memorable oldies, and drummer Clifton "Fou-Fou" Eddie backs the Shy-Epps sound with percussion beats that fill the house. +They are:Ron Ellington Shy is the lead singer, and he plays keyboard, sax, and harmonicaAldolph “Al” Jacobs, original lead guitar for the Coasters, on guitar and vocalsPreston Epps on congas and bongosClifton "Fou-Fou" Eddie on drums+Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “These amazing showmen blend the oldies right into blues and jazz, and many impressions highlight the most famous entertainers and songs well-known by all audiences. Horns, keyboard, strings and bass, guitar, and harmonica are part of this Trio's incredible range. There is nothing they can't play, and no audience they can't please.” Tix, $18..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sat, Jan 8; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:7 pm JERRY BURGAN with THOLOW CHAN ~ “FOLKSONGS & STORIES” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+Appearing with JERRY BURGAN is fellow alum from Randy Sparks’ BACK PORCH MAJORITY, his long-time friend, bass player and humorist THOLOW CHAN. “Folksongs & Stories” follows the path traditional folk music took from farms, front porches, churches, prisons and honky-tonks to become popular recordings about life and the American dream. It’s an audio exploration of the folk explosion that began in the mid 1950s and lead to the emergence of folk-rock group pioneers, WE FIVE.+There’s a special magic in music popularized by the folk movement of the late ’50s and early ’60s. Even conservative Grinches can’t help moving their lips and humming when they hear classics of the era today. Expect a songfest to break out when Jerry Burgan comes to the Coffee Gallery Backstage leading eager audiences on a guided tour through some of the most memorable moments, songs and stories from days passed…when the times were indeed, a changing.’+A co-founder of WE FIVE, the group that scored a million-selling hit with the folk-rock classic, “You Were On My Mind” (still one of the best folk-pop albums ever), Jerry explores our musical common ground in an engaging and entertaining show that has the audience singing along from the first song. Between songs, Jerry takes the role of wizened sage, sharing fascinating tales woven from the spirit of Woody Guthrie, John & Alan Lomax, Leadbelly, Pete Seeger and the Weavers, to the more contemporary artists they inspired when he was coming of age in the mid sixties under the mentoring eye of John Stewart. No, not the comedic TV host, but the former Kingston Trio banjo player and writer of countless classic songs in the musical form that’s come to be called Americana. Count on hearing some treasures that were learned from the master.+Jerry always includes some surprises and a few originals that fit into the moment, and it’s all tastily complimented by bassist and humorist THOLOW CHAN. Their stage rapport has a seamless quality that’s been honed by time as they draw each audience into the feel-good experience--often with spontaneous laughter and comments coming from the room. When joined on stage by his wife, DEBBIE BURGAN, their tight arrangements bring to life the exhilarating power, harmony and charm that made folk trios so popular. +Venue impresario Bob Stane adds, “It’s a total package with memories you’ll want to share. But don’t just talk about it: Bring your friends along for a post-holiday treat they won’t forget. Don’t miss it.”+Jerry, speaking about WE FIVE, the band he co-founded with the late MIKE STEWART, recalls, “It was the experience of a lifetime when our little group was sandwiched between ‘Satisfaction’ and ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ on the Billboard charts – not to mention on concert stages!” +Their hit recording of “You Were on My Mind” was the #4 song of 1965, and it marked the beginning of the end for the softer, more intimate folk era that had thrived for over a decade, and first attracted the likes of Jerry Burgan, James Taylor, and so many others, to play the guitar. That era returns tonight. Tix, $15..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sat, Jan 8, 2011, in Ventura Co; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:7:30 pm JOHN McCUTCHEON plays the “Performances to Grow On” series at Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo Rd, Ojai; 805-646-8907; www.ptgo.org. +Johnny Cash called him, "The most impressive instrumentalist I've ever heard."+The Washington Post wrote, "He has an uncanny ability to breathe new life into the familiar. His storytelling has the richness of fine literature."+Multiple Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and storyteller John McCutcheon is America's balladeer. He sings of the nation's heritage, channeling the conscience of our people into streams of poetry and melody. He writes about subjects both small and great, from a child's haircut to human dignity – issues eternal and enduring. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, including guitar, banjo, autoharp, and, most notably, the beautiful hammer dulcimer. He’s been at it so long his website is www.folkmusic.com +No one remembers when the neighbors started calling the McCutcheons to complain about the loud singing from young John's bedroom. But it didn't seem to do much good. Seems that after a shaky, lopsided battle between piano lessons and baseball – he was a mediocre pianist and an all-star catcher, John had "found his voice" thanks to a cheap, mail-order guitar and a used book of chords.+From such inauspicious beginnings, McCutcheon has emerged as one of our most respected and loved folksingers.+His latest, two-CD, album, “Untold” (2009, Appalseed Productions), showcases his double-barreled talents as both a singer-songwriter-instrumental virtuoso and a world-class storyteller. The set's first CD was recorded live at the 2008 “National Storytelling Festival” in Jonesborough, TN. The second CD, says his label, “features some of the most compelling and popular songwriting of McCutcheon's career.”+McCutcheon's songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His 30 recordings have won every imaginable honor, including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced over 20 albums for other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works.+His books and instructional materials have introduced budding players to the joys of their own musicality. His commitment to grassroots political organizations has put him on the front lines of many of the issues important to communities and workers.+Even before graduating summa cum laude from Minnesota's St. John's University, this Wisconsin native literally "headed for the hills," forgoing a college lecture hall for the classroom of the eastern Kentucky coal camps, union halls, country churches, and square-dance halls.+His apprenticeship to many of the legendary figures of Appalachian music imbedded in him not only a love of homemade music but a sense of community and, as he says, “rootedness.” The resulting music, whether traditional or from his huge catalog of original songs, has the profound mark of place, family, and strength. With it is McCutcheon’s storytelling, in a style that’s been compared to Will Rogers and Garrison Keillor.+The Washington Post described McCutcheon as folk music's "Rustic Renaissance Man." The Dallas Morning News says, "Calling John McCutcheon a 'folksinger' is like saying Deion Sanders is just a football player..."+Besides his usual circuit of major concert halls and theatres, McCutcheon is equally at home in an elementary school auditorium, on a festival stage, or at a farm rally. He’s been called “a whirlwind of energy, packing five lifetimes into one.” +In the past few years alone he has headlined at over a dozen different festivals in North America, including repeated performances at the National Storytelling Festival, recorded an original composition for Virginia Public Television involving over 500 musicians, toured Australia for the sixth time, toured Chile in support of a women's health initiative, appeared in a Woody Guthrie tribute concert in New York City, given a featured concert at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, taught performance art skills at a North Carolina college, given symphony pops concerts across America, served as president of the fastest-growing local in the Musicians Union, and performed a special concert at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This is all in his "spare time." His "real job," he's quick to point out, is father to two grown sons..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sat, Jan 8, 2011, in Santa Barbara Co; world music:7:30 pm UCSB MIDDLE EAST ENSEMBLE plays the “Song Tree” Concert Series at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N Fairview Av, Goleta; 805-403-2639; SongTree@cox.net .///\\\///\\\.==============.Sat, Jan 8, 2011:8 pm EXENE CERVENKA plus special guest PAUL BURCH at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Tix, $16..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sat, Jan 8, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm ED GERHARD plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina; 626-339-7020. Ed Gerhard has created a “guitar voice” of his own that is recognized and praised worldwide. Known for his gorgeous tone and compositional depth, Gerhard can move a listener with a single note. Scott Alarik of the Boston Globe said it best when he wrote, “Gerhard does not write instrumentals. He writes songs only a guitar can sing.”Doors at 7:30 pm for the best seats. Tix, $20..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sun, Jan 9, 2011:5 pm DIKKI DU & THE ZYDECO CREW play the Cajun-zydeco dance series at the Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club, 6285 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach; 562-596-1631 or 562-708-8946. .///\\\///\\\.==============.Sun, Jan 9; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:7 pm LOAFER’S GLORY, the all-star ensemble of HERB PEDERSEN, TOM SAUBER, PAT SAUBER & BILL BRYSON, at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. +Wow. HERB PEDERSEN on guitar and vocals. BILL BRYSON on bass and vocals. TOM SAUBER on fiddle, banjo, and vocals. PATRICK SAUBER on banjo, mandolin and vocals. The Guide lists this group among the best, anywhere.+This one truly features legends of pickin' & grinnin'. When he booked ’em across town, Coffee Gallery Backstage impresario Bob Stane called this ensemble, “A unique engagement of the finest of bluegrass players. A show that will be talked about for years to come.” +HERB PEDERSEN is among the very, very few in American music who has been there, done that, as a guitarist, banjo player, and singer-songwriter, playing with a “who’s who” of roots-Americana and more, in a variety of musical styles over the past forty years. Pedersen is a founding member of the legendary DESERT ROSE BAND. He fronted his own band, the LAUREL CANYON RAMBLERS. He’s worked with the PINE VALLEY BOYS, EARL SCRUGGS, THE DILLARDS, SMOKEY GRASS BOYS, OLD AND IN THE WAY, DAVID GRISMAN, PETER ROWAN, VASSAR CLEMENTS, GRAM PARSONS, EMMYLOU HARRIS, TONY RICE, DAN FOGELBERG, STEPHEN STILLS, LINDA RONSTADT, KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, JOHN PRINE, JACKSON BROWNE, JOHN DENVER, JOHN JORGENSON, and LELAND SKLAR. +TOM SAUBER brings his stellar talents on fiddle, banjo and vocals. A native of Southern California, Tom has helped bring authentic traditional music to the film industry. In 1980, along with RY COODER & DAVID LINDLEY, he played the music for the motion picture “The Long Riders.” He appeared in “Bound for Glory,” “Geronimo,” and numerous TV movies and series. He’s among the best known and most respected purveyors of “old time” music, anywhere.+PATRICK SAUBER joins the group on banjo, mandolin and vocals. Patrick, son of Tom, has mastered the old-time pre-bluegrass styles on banjo and mandolin, as well as the classic approach to good solid Scruggs-style 5-string banjo and mandolin, Bill Monroe and more current styles. He’s still a young player, and it’s always thrilling to see where he’s carrying his talent (he’s already played Japan). Patrick sings all the needed parts in the good trio and quartet numbers. +BILL BRYSON, on upright bass and vocals, comes from a long discography of bluegrass and country music. One of the most skilled of the upright bass players in the business, has been or is with such great groups as THE BLUEGRASS CARDINALS, THE COUNTRY GAZETTE, THE LAUREL CANYON RAMBLERS, THE DESERT ROSE BAND, and BLUEGRASS ETC. Bill is a wonderful lead singer, one of the best “in-demand” baritones today. In addition to the bass, he plays guitar and minstrel 5-string banjo. Tix, $15.///\\\///\\\.==============.Sun, Jan 9; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:7 pm JOHN BATDORF & THE KOLES at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+You probably know the wonderful JOHN BATDORF, so we’ll start with THE KOLES.+Originally from Canada, THE KOLES are a gifted mother / father / daughter vocal group whose original songs and unique vocal arrangements captivated audiences at the Folk Alliance FAR West conference. The songwriting is deep and heartfelt and mom and award winning solo performer ARLENE KOLE will tell you, “family issues often accompany [us] onstage, making for some hilarious moments throughout the show.”+Arlene was named in Music Connection Magazine’s Top 100 Live Acts in the USA for 2009 and the nationally syndicated public radio show “Art of the Song” dedicated their hour-long program to her critically-acclaimed album “ONE DAY...”, calling it “Brilliant”.+They joke that they “have yet to land their own variety show,” but their voices can be heard on albums, commercials, movies, television, video games and even Las Vegas shows. +Plus,JOHN BATDORF, of the Top-30 ’70s folk-rock duo, BATDORF & RODNEY. Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Some may ask, what is it about the qualities of John Batdorf that set him apart from other excellent singer-songwriters? It’s his vulnerability: his complete opening the door to his heart. John invites the listener into his soul and shares a couple hours, open and trusting as he sings of love and hope: transforming despair to hope, hate to love and fear/ignorance to tolerance/acceptance. We share his understanding, forgiveness and are filled with compassion when the song is done. When you hear John sing live for the first time, you'll understand why his music has meant so much to his fans that have now spanned nearly four decades.”+He’s performed numerous times on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and his voice, guitar, and songwriting, always first rate, have gotten better than ever. Tix, $20..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sun, Jan 9, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:“ART FEIN'S ANNUAL ELVIS BIRTHDAY BASH” at the Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200. www.attheecho.com.+This is one of the best music parties in town. Top musicians play only one or two songs each – all Elvis covers – then make way for more and more and more top musicians to follow them on stage. Art Fein always does an amazing job booking this. The house band is astonishingly wonderful, immediately able to accompany anybody in any key and any arrangement of anything Elvis ever performed. Whether you plan to stay the whole evening, you will. Bring earplugs, as it can get loud..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sun, Jan 9, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:The New Christy Minstrels reunite to play the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos; info, 562-916-8501; 800-300-4345; tix, 562-467-8818; www.cerritoscenter.com. Tix now available, and going fast. +Randy Sparks, the founder of the uber-famous folk revival group The New Christy Minstrels, does from time-to-time reassemble as many of the alumni as will fit on one stage. Not that it’s always the same group. When your members have included the likes of BARRY McGUIRE (famous for his banned-on-the-radio ’60s anthem, “Eve of Destruction”), and KENNY ROGERS (pre FIRST EDITION), and an underage TRACY NEWMAN, and so many more who graduated to lead or star in their own bands or groups or as solo folk or rock acts, you could craft an entire season of “Where Are They Now?” just tracking-down former band members.+Randy Sparks is himself quite a character. For Randy, the presumed radicalism of the ’60s often takes the form these days of comedic ditties from a decidedly conservative perspective; some are blatant in their “politically incorrect” expressions. Perhaps some of that can be explained when you know he was the best-known protégé of the late BURL IVES, and he cared for Ives in his final declining months. Ives was the Disney-movie-favorite folksinger who famously (or infamously) cooperated with HUAC – the House Un-American Activities Committee – during the McCarthy Era.+Randy Sparks is a complex guy. He is devoted to his music charity. He still gets ’60s folk revival-era Baby Boomers singing along with big smiles, when he plays the group’s classics instead of his own newer material. And he is possessed with the artist’s penchant for a certain measure of disorganization, telling us, “I'm generally communicating with media people at the last minute, but this time I'm early,” as, for the first time ever, he sends us info a full three to four months (gasp) in advance.+In typically Randy Sparks fashion, he adds, “I suppose I ought to mention The McCallum Theater in Palm Desert on the 16th of January, also.”+But what of the storied New Christy Minstrels -? Randy tells us, “My restored group is phenomenal these days. We have not been in concert anywhere that we haven't been asked back, and that’s gratifying. I'm 77 years old and likely couldn't get a job at Burger King, but I'm still gainfully employed, albeit we all work for a non-profit organization these days: The ‘New Christy Minstrels Foundation.’ Our goal is to give back to the schools; we NEVER charge schools for our performances.”+He continues, “Our concert at Cerritos is a return visit. We were there on a Sunday afternoon in November of 2007, and we sold EVERY seat. We're looking to repeat that accomplishment, and we're already pretty far along, as all of the main floor $60 seats are gone. Half the house has already been sold, and we have [three] months to go. We are very quietly big business these days. We had 19 concerts in the month of October alone. What recession?”+In addition to this full group show, Randy is out there from with what he calls Randy Sparks & Friends, which he says, is “a lesser offering.” +We have an idea that the “lesser offering” has a decidedly different character. He noted, in advance of the “& Friends” show on December 5, “We're unrestricted at Bob's [Coffee Gallery Backstage] showroom, so our program [there] is wildly entertaining and great fun for me. I'm able to sing my best stuff: ‘Sluts With Tattoos,’ ‘The Man In The Moon Mooned Me,’ and ‘The Only Thing More Ferocious Than A Polar Bear Is A Bi-Polar Bear.’ Of course, we also perform the songs that the people come to hear.”+We did mention Randy’s “politically incorrect” songs.+As for the audiences Randy draws with both his “& Friends” show and his NCM reunion productions, he says, “They are most kind to us wherever we work, and it's thrilling to actually be in demand.”+As for the audiences Randy Sparks draws with both his “& Friends” show and his New Christy Minstrels reunion productions, he says, “They are most kind to us wherever we work, and it's thrilling to actually be in demand.”+There’s more at www.thenewchristyminstrels.com. .///\\\///\\\.==============.Mon, Jan 10; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm MARSEILLE EXPRESS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+MARSEILLE EXPRESS is a jazz trio with a French flavor. Playing some of the hippest instrumental jazz on the scene, the group was started by jazz guitar great JACQUES BARREAU. Jacques studied music at Marseille's conservatory in France and taught Electro-Acoustic Music at the University of Aix en Provence. +Drummer ED EBLEN and bassist JOE IAQUINTO have played with Grammy award winning pop, rock and country artists, and their diverse and well rounded musical backgrounds make this ensemble a formidable entity. Joe Iaquinto, on electric bass and fretless bass, has played with Grammy-winning artists and such music heavy-weights as Chicago, the Doobie Brothers, Rita Coolidge, Billy Preston and Stephen Bishop. Ed Eblen, drummer and percussionist, has played with top artists, including Jim Messina, Little River Band, Freddie Fender and Hank Williams Jr.+By blending elements of traditional melodic jazz, European avant-garde music, urban grooves and simple folk tunes, the band creates music that is sophisticated yet with broad appeal.+Tix, $15..///\\\///\\\.==============.Tue, Jan 11; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm WILL RYAN & the CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS plus THE ROYAL UKULELE BAND OF HOLLYWOOD at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+Yep, they’re back in town, and The Guide still maintains that they’re the best unheralded acoustic band in L.A., cornball image and all. Meet America’s three-time Jackalope Award-winners, WILL RYAN & the CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS. Get past all that stuff about them being “the Band that Won the West,” and the stuff about WILL RYAN being “the Undisputed King of Cowboy Skiffle” – though he does have three Gold Records. For real. And you’ll still need to hear the shtick about the other oh-so-musical band members, like the part about “WESTY” WESTENHOFER being “the Paderewski of the Tuba,” and JOHN “PRESTO” REYNOLDS being “the Einstein of the Six-String” (though plenty of Gypsy jazz guitar fans would agree with that one). And there’s “CHAPARALL KATIE” CAVERA, who they bill as “The Ingrid Bergman of the Banjo.” And, yeah, she does look like young Ingrid Bergman. +They are adding “Special guest star PROFESSOR LORENZO and his collection of the World’s Spiffiest Ocarinas! The Crown Prince of the Sweet Potato!”+PLUS, THE ROYAL UKULELE BAND OF HOLLYWOOD, comprised mostly of members of the first band in alter egos with different instruments and a costume change. You can figure the altered names as you read their promo: “Meet KEKE KABERRA, and the KAHUNA BROTHERS, Keoni, Li and Oahu! Four-time Guitar Planet champion John Reynolds calls them, ‘My favourite Hawaiian band since Sol Ho’opi’i!’ Hear audience-pleasing originals such as ‘When You Take Your Ukulele to the Opera,’ ‘Cocoanut Oil!’ and ‘The La-La Land Hula-Hula.’ Snappy spins on such all-time favorites as ‘Whispering,’ ‘La Marseilles’ and ‘Momma Said There’ll Be Days Like This.’ Sheer joy!”+We do expect that last assertion to be true. Tix, $15..///\\\///\\\.==============.Wed, Jan 12, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:7:30 pm MURIEL ANDERSON & TIERRA NEGRA play the “Acoustic Voices” series at the Ruth Shannon Center for the Performing Arts, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier; 562-907-4203; www.shannoncenter.org. Tix, $20; seniors & students, $15..///\\\///\\\.==============.Wed, Jan 12. 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:Round Mountain “New Mexico's two-man singing folk orchestra” play the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos; info, 562-916-8501; 800-300-4345; tix, 562-467-8818; www.cerritoscenter.com. They don’t often get to Southern Cal, and they always impress and make fans when they do. More at www.roundmountainmusic.com & www.myspace.com/roundmountainmusic .///\\\///\\\.==============.Wed, Jan 12. 2011, in south OC; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm DAVID WILCOX plays The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; 949-496-8927..///\\\///\\\.==============.Wed, Jan 12. 2011, in the desert; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm THE KINGSTON TRIO play the McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert; 760-340-ARTS or 866-889-ARTS..///\\\///\\\.==============.Wed, Jan 12. 2011, in San Diego; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm “MARK HUMMEL'S HARMONICA BLOW-OUT” with Rod & Honey Piazza, Billy Branch, Sugar Blue, Carlos Del Junco, Rusty & The Blues Survivors, at the Belly Up Tavern, 143 S Cedros Av, Solano Beach (San Diego); 858-481-9022..///\\\///\\\.==============.Thu-Sun, Jan 13-16, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:10 am-6 pm Annual “NAMM SHOW” takes over the entire Anaheim Convention Center complex, 800 W Katella Av, Anaheim 92802. While entrance to the show, in all its vastness and complexity, is open to music industry only, MANY artists who are sponsored by instrument makes DO perform in places where the public can enjoy their music-making. You can always go hang-out in the nearby hotels and find scheduled performances or high-level big names just jamming. Plus, be on the lookout for shows in venues – often on short notice – that musicians book all over Southern Cal, while they’re in town for NAMM..///\\\///\\\.==============.Thu & Fri, Jan 13 & 14; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm “Trippin' the ’60s” with Barry McGuire (“Eve of Destruction”) and John York (the BYRDS) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).+Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the “Andy Williams Show” as the gravelly-voiced lead singer of the NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar."+In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit, "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times – and was banned from US radio play by the FCC for sedition (yep, they thought he was trying to overthrow the government with a song).+Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "HAIR." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. +DICK CLARK says, “When world events collide with rock & roll, you get Barry McGuire.” +JOHN YORK (the BYRDS) is currently working with Barry in "Trippin' The Sixties." John is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned folk rock / country rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of musical luminaries including Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band), and many others. The TV show, “The Place Where I Am Dreaming,” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." He stays busy. John’s work with Patrick Brayer in the duet REDNECK NINJA highlights John's other creative partnership with another acclaimed songwriter. In 2007, John did his third concert tour of Japan. Tix, $20, either night..///\\\///\\\.==============.Thu, Jan 13, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm THE JOHN JORGENSON QUINTET plays the Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina; 626-339-7020. John is recognized as the greatest Djangostyle gypsy jazz guitarist in the world, in addition to his landmark work as a member of the DESERT ROSE BAND, and so much more..///\\\///\\\.==============.Thu, Jan 13, 2011; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8:30 pm “MARK HUMMEL'S HARMONICA BLOW-OUT” with ROD & HONEY PIAZZA, BILLY BRANCH, SUGAR BLUE, CARLOS DEL JUNCO, RUSTY & THE BLUES SURVIVORS, at SOHo Restaurant and Music Club, 1221 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-962 7776..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Jan 14, 2011:7:30 pm DOYLE DYKES plays the Grace First Presbyterian Church concert series, at 3955 Studebaker Rd, Long Beach; 562-420-3393..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri & Sat, Jan 14 & 15; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm JOHN DOE at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. +Runs two nights. Tix, $20, either night..///\\\///\\\.==============.Fri, Jan 14; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:8 pm “Trippin' the ’60s” with Barry McGuire (“Eve of Destruction”) and John York (the BYRDS) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com (“the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue”).+Barry McGuire stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the “Andy Williams Show” as the gravelly-voiced lead singer of the NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar."+In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit, "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times – and was banned from US radio play by the FCC for sedition (yep, they thought he was trying to overthrow the government with a song).+Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "HAIR." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. +DICK CLARK says, “When world events collide with rock & roll, you get Barry McGuire.” +JOHN YORK (the BYRDS) is currently working with Barry in "Trippin' The Sixties." John is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned folk rock / country rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of musical luminaries including Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet,) The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band), and many others. The TV show, “The Place Where I Am Dreaming,” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." He stays busy. John’s work with Patrick Brayer in the duet REDNECK NINJA highlights John's other creative partnership with another acclaimed songwriter. In 2007, John did his third concert tour of Japan. +Runs two nights, Thu & Fri, Jan 13 & 14. Tix, $20, either night..///\\\///\\\.==============.Sat, Jan 15, 2011; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK for artists:”Noon-2 pm “THE LUKE HALPIN SONG ARRANGING ON GUITAR WORKSHOP FOR THE SINGER PERFORMER” workshop at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reservations, 626-794-2424; info, www.coffeegallery.com.+This workshop is billed as “Good for the singer-songwriter or folksinger.” Series producer Duane Thorin says, “The first half is Luke demonstrating many dynamic techniques that even a non-pro guitar player can use to vary his arrangements and add drama and build to a song... making it performable on stage. It is a much-needed workshop. We all got a lot out of it. He demonstrated on his own material, showing the steps he went through, to arrive at his current performance state. And then we took songs from the audience to work over a bit. TERRY KIRKMAN (THE ASSOCIATION) participated, and we may well have Dave Morrison as a guest along with Terry.” +Workshop fee is $25, and it’s limited to 12 people. (Luke performs a concert here tonight with STEPHANIE BETTMAN; see 7 pm listing.).///\\\///\\\.==============.January 15th, 12 noon to 2pm..... The Luke Halpin Song Arranging on Guitar Workshop... for the singer performer. $25. limit 12 people.

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WHAT picture? Click "View Web Version" if you're reading on your mobile device and you don't "get the picture..." ================================== ======================== ABOUT THE GUIDE'S EDITOR: Longtime journalist, with awards for print, publishing, broadcasting, more, including the Music Legend Award, presented to just one honoree each year at the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival. Creator and host of radio's award-winning "Tied to the Tracks" that introduced an Acoustic Americana / acoustic renaissance format to Los Angeles radio, with live in-studio performance-interviews with wonderful musicians; over 300 performing guests including GRAMMY and Juno winners and nominees.